Posted by k23d on July 10, 2002, at 20:03:42
Hi Folks,
I've read extensively through the archives but still need further convincing I'm doing the right thing so please bear with me for one more go around this discussion.
I'm a socially anxious individual in my late 20's who's been living with the problem since my teens but only come to realise what it was about 2 years ago.
Since then I've tried everything from NLP, Hypnosis, meditation, lot's of excercise and some yoga (both of which help), Cog Behavioural therapy and finally about 3 months ago got on the paroxetine (20mg daily in the morning).
My issues could be described as a generalised social anxiety with some specific performance phobias that accelerate me to panic. As far as I am aware or have been diagnosed I have no other comorbid conditions other than a generalised anxiety but it's kind of just driven by my social anxiety anyway.
I want off the paroxetine due to the side effects, mainly as follows:
Lethargy
Lack of motivation
Lack of concentration
Loss of libido
Loss of orgasm
Weight gain
Emotional dulling in non anxiety situations
Poor memory
Losing wordsThe paroxetine has helped in general social interaction but doesn't help in panic inducing situations. Propranolol 75mg has helped moderately but not fully.
Anyway my doc has suggested venlafaxine as the next treatment but I'm not keen mostly due to the side effects profile and possible withdrawal issues.
Thinking of this treatment plan:
Continued CBT
Start klonpin 1.5mg div to 3xdaily
Start provigil or dexadrine (unsure of dosage)
Maybe wean off paroxetine and start serzoneAnyone have any suggestions/words of support. I've bought the report from the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (www.psychiatry.com) titled "Advanced and emerging treatments in social phobia" and read a few other research papers.
Is there any other resources people can suggest either to support my treatment plan above or to suggest a new one. Particularly with a focus on medical papers I can give my doc.Thanks for any support folks.
k23d
poster:k23d
thread:111969
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020709/msgs/111969.html